What Does "Less Than Sedentary Exertion" Mean?

In Social Security disability, If a claimant's work capacity is determined to be “less than sedentary,” this generally means the claimant is disabled from any gainful occupation and entitled to benefits. C.F.R. §404.1520.

Sedentary work involves sitting up to 6 hours per day but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time (up to a total of 2 hours per day). Sedentary work also requires the ability occasionally lift up to 10 pounds. The worker will need good bilateral manual dexterity--the use of the arms and hands for grasping, holding, pinching, etc.

If a judge rules that a claimant has a residual functional capacity (RFC) "less than sedentary," it means the individual is disabled under Social Security's rules and should be awarded benefits.

Sedentary work is the lightest of all work. Therefore, if an individual cannot perform sedentary work, then light work is also precluded.